Located on the Angola, Indiana campus, Trine University’s Steel Dynamics Inc. Center of Engineering and Computing (SDI Center) showcases a transparent, jewel box exterior with bright, daylit interiors. The project achieved its intended appearance and performance requirements by combining multiple Tubelite aluminum framing systems finished by Linetec. Both Tubelite and Linetec are part of Apogee Architectural Metals.

To accomplish the university’s campus-wide, long-term goals, architects at the Design Collaborative first developed a comprehensive plan. The 1994 plan identified and outlined continued improvements to serve Trine’s exceptional growth and increasing enrollment.

As part of Trine’s ongoing planned improvements, the three-story SDI Center encompasses both renovated and newly constructed space totaling approximately 65,000 square feet. Throughout the structure’s blended brick, glass and metal exterior, Design Collaborative specified several Tubelite aluminum framing systems: Tubelite 400 Series curtain wall, T24650 and T14000 Series storefront, Wide Stile entrance and interior framing systems.

Home to Trine’s biomedical engineering, computer and information technology departments, its flexible classrooms and state-of-the-art laboratories promote active learning and support evolving educational needs. A café serves as an inviting, naturally illuminated gathering point available to Trine’s entire campus.

Image Courtesy of: Abstract Photography, Terry Wieckert, Apogee Architectural Metals

Defining the building’s modern aesthetic, Tubelite’s multiple framing systems visually connect the SDI Center to Trine’s surrounding 450-acre campus. Enhancing the center’s high-tech appearance, Linetec finished all Tubelite’s aluminum framing systems and doors in clear anodize.

Engineered for visual continuity and installation integration, Tubelite’s products for Trine’s SDI Center were manufactured as 7-1/2-inch-deep framing systems. Their consistency also supported streamlined fabrication and field work by Architectural Glass and Aluminum (AGA). AGA noted, “These elements provide the perfect balance of performance and aesthetics that this modern educational facility deserves.”

Describing the SDI Center, Design Collaborative noted, “The exterior of Trine’s renovated engineering building features a large glass wall that allows for great amount of natural light to filter through the interior space, modern geographic cut outs that express connection through structural detailing, and materials that are unique to Trine and seamlessly tie in other campus buildings.”

Welcoming students and staff, the SDI Center’s atrium showcases a two-story Tubelite curtain wall. Classrooms and labs are positioned to the building’s outer perimeter, where Tubelite curtain wall and storefront systems maximize daylight and views of the landscaped grounds.

Image Courtesy of: Abstract Photography, Terry Wieckert, Apogee Architectural Metals

Fostering creativity, collaboration and conversation throughout the SDI Center, its glass-walled corridors and staircases present opportunities for impromptu idea sharing. Window-lined lounges allow for sunlit study sessions. Many of the interior walls also incorporate glass and aluminum framing systems by Tubelite, accentuating transparency and carrying daylight more deeply inside the building.

Tubelite Wide Stile doors at each entrance are manufactured to withstand continuous use. Their durable clear anodize finishes meet AAMA 611 industry-leading performance specifications, offering longevity with minimal maintenance. Should a repair be needed, Tubelite doors’ tie-rod construction allow for simplified field service with replacement components.

Image Courtesy of: Abstract Photographers, Terry Weickert, Apogee Architectural Metals

Since the SDI Center opened in September 2022, Trine’s enrollment has increased more than 40% while maintaining a 16:1 student/faculty ratio. During the last 10 years, the private university has experienced record growth and has invested more than $150 million in improvements to its Angola campus. Formerly known as Tri-State, the campus has served students since 1884.

Feature Image Courtesy of: Abstract Photographers, Terry Wieckert, Apogee Architectural Metals